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Mar 10, 2023 18:30pm

He Will Not Fail

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When my niece was younger, she was just learning how to swim. She was comfortable hanging out on the steps of the pool, or at least close by. One day, she decided she was going to be brave and slide down the slide as long as I would catch her. So, we got her up the stairs, situated up top and I jumped in. I could see she was very nervous, so I did my best to encourage her to slide. Finally, she pushed off and down the slide she came. I caught her as she hit the water, bringing her up for air quickly and congratulating her. She was elated!

A few weeks went by before we had the chance to swim again. We put on our suits and headed out to the pool. She went back to her stairs of comfort. I asked her if she wanted to slide and she looked at me like I was crazy. I reminded her that she had gone down the slide just a few weeks ago and did great. But even the emotion she had felt from before of conquering that slide wasn’t strong enough in this moment of worry and fear. Even though she knew and she remembered, she still struggled with worry and doubt.

“In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.” (Mark 8:1-9)

Did you know this is a different instance than the feeding of the 5,000? That was before, in chapter 6. This time, the scripture says He fed 4,000. Last time it was the Jews. This time, it’s in an area that’s mainly populated by gentiles.

But what I want us to focus on are the disciples.

Jesus tells them that He wants to feed the people, and look at how the disciples respond.

I can see their faces of confusion and worry. “How? Where will we get enough food for all of these people!? There’s nothing here in the wilderness!”

They are filled with fear and worry. Although they had witnessed an incredible miracle not long ago, their worries overtake them. That instance isn’t anywhere in their mind. Instead, they allow fear to take control.

Jesus doesn’t rebuke them. He simply begins giving them subtle reminders.

He asks for the bread.

In the last instance, one of the disciples had found a boy that had bread.

Jesus then asks for the fish.

Again, this was a reminder of the time before when Jesus had provided for all the people with such a tiny amount.

Right now, maybe you’re facing a situation. You’ve cried out to the Lord and asked Him, “why? What will you do?” Fear and worry overtake you.

Jesus sends a simple reminder to us. He says, “remember what I’ve done for you before? Are you not here today? Have I not provided for you, protected you and brought you to this very moment?”

Jesus has not failed us and never will. God will make a way, as He has always done before. We must quit focusing on our doubts and worries and put our trust in Christ to give us everything we need!